Spring 2023

NSPE Now
#NSPECon23: Engineering Excellence from a Whole New Perspective

NSPE members, PEs, EITs, engineering students, and anyone interested in the issues facing the industry today are invited to attend NSPECon 2023 in Louisville, August 2-4, at the Hyatt Regency Louisville. NSPECon is the only national conference focused on meeting the needs of "The Whole PE"— helping PEs and those on the PE track develop a broader set of skills and knowledge to enhance their effectiveness and impact at all stages of their career.

Join us to gain a new perspective on what it means to be "the whole package" when leading projects, teams, and serving the public as a qualified and ethically accountable professional. Standard registration rates apply until July 13 and attendees can earn up to 10 PDHs. One-day conference registration is also available and offers up to 5 PDHs. Optional engineering-focused local tours will be offered to registered attendees.

Keynote Speakers

Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark Distillery, will open the NSPECon23 meeting. Samuels, who helped design both the Gemini and Polaris missiles and became friends with the founding administrator of NASA, will talk about the "Trials and Tribulations of a Failed Aerospace Engineer."

Megan Bendtzen, CEO and Founder of TheDoctorofFun.com, will completely shift your perspective, debunking the myths and mysteries of work-life balance and the pursuit of happiness during the keynote speech "Beyond the Blueprint: Mastering the Most Important Project of Your Life."

Here’s a snapshot of conference sessions in three tracks: amplify your leadership power skills; stay informed about issues and trends; and invest in your career.

What You Said is NOT What I Heard

EASLEY

ATKINSON

Presenters: Richard Easley, CAPP, and Bill Atkinson, P.E., F.NSPE

We will use humor as well as the possibility of uncomfortable/challenging situational conversations as a way to shed light on how people different from you may misunderstand your statements or just the fact that many things said are not appropriate for the workplace or anywhere else in some cases. This interactive session is a good start to learning "what you don’t know."

HABINA-WOOLARD

KITTS

Leaders Leading Leaders

Presenters: Susan Habina-Woolard, P.E. and Scarlett Kitts, P.E.

This session breaks the mold and challenges leaders to think outside of themselves, toward others. Rather than be in competition with other leaders, how can you improve your leadership presence by encouraging other leaders, especially those quite unlike yourself?

Recognizing and Valuing Trade-offs in Large Infrastructure and Development Projects

Presenter: David Kish, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE

Traditional definitions of project costs or even project-life-cost are changing rapidly. Using as a case study the development of the interstate highway system, this session will help engineers recognize and evaluate trade-offs, choices that benefit one party at the expense of another.

Top Proven Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Technologies

Presenter: Bobby Rauf, P.E.

This session caters to engineers, technicians, facilities managers, energy professionals, and others who are interested in enhancing their understanding of renewable energy. Attendees will learn about methods, best practices and strategies for selection of the most suitable renewable energy alternative (with technical, geographic, and financial feasibility in mind).

Finding the Funds for Your Infrastructure Project

Presenter: Danielle Yoon, P.E.

Funding has become a critical consideration in the implementation of major infrastructure improvements. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act have further ignited these conversations at the local level as entities compete for limited resources. This session will provide an overview of the types of funding typically used by municipalities, resources to consider when looking for funds, and important metrics to consider before applying for funds.

The Engineer’s Blueprint: Success Principles for Winning At Work and at Home

Presenter: James Bryant, Ph.D., P.E.

The Engineer’s Blueprint: Success Principles for Winning at Work and at Home is a comprehensive presentation that provides engineers with a four-part framework for achieving success in both their professional and personal lives. The session will cover a range of topics such as vision building, goal setting, planning, and execution.

We Need YOU to Protect the License!

Presenter: Leanne Panduren, P.E.

This session will provide an overview of the legislative process at the federal and state levels and discuss how engineers can become advocates and engage with their legislators.

Presenter: Jon Tirpak, P.E.

The dream of being one’s own boss is attractive; however, to avoid the nightmare of failure, one needs a playbook for success. This presentation will illustrate how Sabattis, LLC, a veteran owned small business, was concurrently designed and launched in 2019. The presentation will illustrate the tailored application of the Business Model Canvas, identify critical tasks for success, and share lessons learned.

WELCOME TO LOUISVILLE!

The Hyatt Regency Louisville is in a prime location to explore downtown Louisville. The city lays claim to one-of-a-kind attractions, events, an exploding culinary scene, and a bourbon renaissance with ample opportunities to sip samples and tour distilleries. The legendary Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the Muhammad Ali Center, and Waterfront Park are just a few of the attractions. Bring your family to this amazing destination worth exploring.

Access the full conference schedule and sessions listings, tour opportunities, and registration and hotel information at www.nspecon.org.